Classical Music / Tone Poem
The Oceanides (Finnish title: Aallottaret, translated to English as Nymphs of the Waves or Spirits of the Waves; original working title Rondeauder Wellen; in English, Rondo of the Waves), Op. 73, is written in 1913-14 by Finnish composer Jean J.C. Sibelius. This work, which refers to the nymphs in Greek mythology who inhabited the Mediterranean Sea, premiered on 4 June 1914 at the Norfolk Music Festival in Connecticut with the composer himself conducting. The performance was praised on its premiere as
"the finest evocation of the sea ... ever ... produced in music", the
tone poem, in D major consisting of two subjects, is said to represent the playful activity of the nymphs and the majesty of
the ocean, respectively.
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957): Oceanides, Opus 73 (1913), London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Adrian Boult (1889-1983), Recorded in 1956.
Sibelius gradually develops his material over three informal stages: first, a placid ocean; second, a gathering
storm; and third, a thunderous wave-crash climax. As the tempest subsides, a final chord sounds, symbolizing the mighty power and
limitless expanse of the sea.
Video Credit:
Sibelius' Oceanides (London PO/Boult). YouTube, uploaded by pianopera. Accessed June 4, 2012.
Resource:
Jean Sibelius' The Oceanides. en.wikipedia.org. Accessed June 4, 2012.
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